Has Anybody got a Mini Desktop Computer

Mike

Mike

Well-known Member
Location
London
Are they OK?

My computer has started "Freezing" occasionally and I can't
figure out why!

The only way to get out of it, is to hold the power switch in
until it trips, I have deleted the Recycle Bin, that had a few
Gbs, in it, I have deleted lots from Temp Files, more Gbs,
but still it happens.

I don't use the computer for any business, only recreation,
or to buy stuff, but it still bugs me.

So I looked at the Mini Computers, they are well priced for
what they offer, high speed, mega storage, etc., etc., the
only downside that I can see is a multitude of cables coming
out of all 4 sides, this might mean that it will need to be on
a stand, the desktops of old have the cables out of one side
only, the rear, although temporary ones can have access at
the front.

Have you got hands-on experience of these models?

Mike.
 

This isn't exactly an answer to your question, maybe just a few ideas about your current system. Have you opened it and cleaned out the dust that builds up in PCs? It sounds like it could be overheating. I recently had an odd issue with my mouse losing functionality of one of it's features. I worked with AI and it walked me through setting up a log file that eventually told me that my Antivirus software was seeing this particular function as a possible virus and blocking it. I simply had to add the file to an "ignore" list and it solved the problem. The entire process took a while but it was successful. Just a thought.
 
Rich said:
This isn't exactly an answer to your question, maybe just a few ideas about your current system. Have you opened it and cleaned out the dust that builds up in PCs? It sounds like it could be overheating. I recently had an odd issue with my mouse losing functionality of one of it's features. I worked with AI and it walked me through setting up a log file that eventually told me that my Antivirus software was seeing this particular function as a possible virus and blocking it. I simply had to add the file to an "ignore" list and it solved the problem. The entire process took a while but it was successful. Just a thought.
Click to expand...
Thank you, Rich, this one is only about 8 months old, to me,
it was refurbished when I bought it, I had the cover off then,
to make sure that it is clean, it has a solid state disc, so it
doesn't heat up, I have a little programme, that monitors the
workings, inside the box.

I have considered the mouse and keyboard, they are cordless,
so might cause problems, I did place the receiver nearer the
keyboard.

Mike.
 
That's my desktop computer in the middle of the top shelf. It's fanless and doesn't make a sound. Not a peep.
I picked it up in 2018 and it's discontinued now. But here we are 8yrs later and I have no thoughts of replacing it.
It has an Intel i5 with 16 GB Ram and 250 GB SSD storage. I'm not a gamer so it takes care of all my needs.
It's reliable and fast with Linux Mint LMDE 7 operating system loaded on it.
It's air cooled so I have it out in the open.
Regardless, I'll never go back to a noisy full size desktop computer. Nope. Never.

A lot of small computers similar to that come with much less powerful processors than the i5.
Intel i5 or i7 is the lowest grade processor I'd go in any desktop computer of any size. Especially if running Windows.

0S4K2yw.jpeg
 
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Naturally said:
That's my desktop computer in the middle of the top shelf. It's fanless and doesn't make a sound. Not a peep.
I picked it up in 2018 and it's discontinued now. But here we are 8yrs later and I have no thoughts of replacing it.
It has an Intel i5 with 16 GB Ram and 250 GB SSD storage. I'm not a gamer so it takes care of all my needs.
It's reliable and fast with Linux Mint LMDE 7 operating system loaded on it.
It's air cooled so I have it out in the open.
Regardless, I'll never go back to a noisy full size desktop computer. Nope. Never.

A lot of small computers similar to that come with much less powerful processors than the i5.
Intel i5 or i7 is the lowest grade processor I'd go in any desktop computer of any size. Especially if running Windows.

0S4K2yw.jpeg
Click to expand...
Why does it look like a modem or router box?
 
I watched a few videos about mini PCs.

I have a lot of experience using PCs in my lifetime and I could see limitations in their performance that made me rule them out.
Things like slow booting and lag while processing.

I won't tolerate that in a PC because its harder to detect when things aren't working right.

If a PC is slow, you won't be able to troubleshoot whether its acting normally.

I bought an expensive laptop about a week after retiring. It works at a reasonable rate of speed so when an application is churning, you can tell right away. So far, the only thing that makes it act slowly and erratically is when a Windows update is in progress. Its a gaming computer and any games I've tried run smoothly. (I'm not a gamer so don't ask me anything about gaming)

I put up with refurbs and their eccentricities throughout my life. It was time to stop pinching pennies and go for something reliable and predictable.

I buy a computer to use it not fix it.
 
I have found an unknown copy of Norton Anti Virus
inside this PC, according to its properties, it has been
in the computer since March, last year, must have come
with the machine, but never used and somehow started
causing mischief, lately!

It is no more living rent-free in my machine, I have removed
it, 2 AVs, or firewalls, will act against each other.

Thanks for the info about the mini computers, I too like fast.

Mike.
 
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MarciKS said:
Why does it look like a modem or router box?
Click to expand...
To the right of my desktop computer is my Fiber Internet Router.
That router is much larger than my desktop computer LoL.

I maintained and repaired electronic equipment, including large mainframe computers during my career in the military.
In fact, I used to build my own personal desktop computers from scratch.

I'm happier with the little fanless desktop computer I have now, than anything I ever built.
Never any problems with slow boot, lagging ... or anything for that matter.
But I guess when shopping around, you have to know what you're looking at.

I haven't shopped desktop computers since getting this one in 2018, so I can't recommend a particular one.
Mine was built in Israel and has been discontinued.
 
... the backside of the dusty little beast
If hardwired to the LAN, don't need those wireless antenna on either end, but I left them on rather than in a box in the closet.
From left beginning with the yellow wire, Ethernet, monitor, power, 4 USB ports, and the green plug is sound.
There are various other ports I don't use, available. Does everything I need a computer to do and does it flawlessly.

aGrzZkE.jpeg
 
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My little desktop doesn't have a built in disk drive.
I have an external disk drive that plugs into USB when needed, which is very rarely these days.
Also have an external 1 TB hard drive for backups, that plugs into USB when needed.

Not for gamers. The box does not have a discrete video card.
It has onboard Intel video commonly used, and that isn't an ideal choice for gamers who need powerful video cards.
 
MarciKS said:
So do you have to plug into a keyboard and monitor and mouse all separate?
Click to expand...
My computer is not only wireless capable but also has Bluetooth.
So I could use devices that connect wirelessly or via Bluetooth but choose hardwire plug-in for the sake of reliability and no batteries.
Yes, each item plugged in separately. Just the way I have things set up though. There are other options.
 
Naturally said:
My computer is not only wireless capable but also has Bluetooth.
So I could use devices that connect wirelessly or via Bluetooth but choose hardwire plug-in for the sake of reliability and no batteries.
Yes, each item plugged in separately. Just the way I have things set up though. There are other options.
Click to expand...
You know, come to think of it, I think we have these at work on all the computers and I just didn't realize what they were. So I learned something today. šŸ˜
 
So looks like you have cured your problems, which is great... I was only going to offer ideas like a virus, or updates, or a program that is not even there anymore...

I was going to suggest booting up in safe mode, to see if that would help cure the problem...Computers are almost as funny as people...

But glad @Mike that you cured your problem... Happy computing...
 

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